Within the past 18 years of democratic rule in South Africa the disparities have hardly been reduced as is manifest in the realms of education, health, security and employment. As a former liberation movement the African National Congress underestimated the tasks ahead when transforming South African society, and the degree to which the apartheid legacy impacted on the people's ability to make use of their democratic rights and to call politicians to account for their performance. The author thus calls for responsible citizens, who contribute to shaping the nation's future and defend the rights of liberty enshrined in its constitution.